Method and device for making available a user interface, in particular in a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A method for making available a user interface, in particular in a vehicle, in which one or more graphic objects are displayed on a display with a touch-sensitive surface, an operator controlled intention which can be assigned to an operator controlled area of the display is determined in a contactless fashion in a space in the viewing direction in front of the display, and an operator controlled action is implemented by touching one of the graphic objects in the operator-controlled area of the display. Three-dimensional graphics data are calculated for a graphic object in the operator-controlled area of the display, and that when the operator-controlled intention has been determined, the graphic object in the operator-controlled area is emphasized visually in that the display of the graphic object which can be perceived over an area in the plane of the display is changed into a display which can be perceived spatially.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a U.S. National Phase of International PatentApplication No. PCT/EP2012/003602, filed 28 Aug. 2012, which claimspriority to German Patent Application No. 10 2011 112 448.2, filed 3Sep. 2011, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a method for providing a userinterface, particularly in a vehicle, in which one or more graphicalobjects are presented on a display panel having a touch-sensitivesurface, an operating intention that can be attributed to an operatingarea of the display panel is contactlessly sensed in a space in thedirection of view in front of the display panel, and an operator actionis performed by touching one of the graphical objects in the operatingarea of the display panel. Furthermore, the present disclosure relatesto an associated apparatus for providing a user interface and to avehicle having such a user interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments are now explained in more detail usingdisclosed embodiments with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a cockpit in a vehicle in which an apparatus for providinga user interface is arranged;

FIG. 2 schematically shows the design of a disclosed embodiment of anapparatus for providing a user interface;

FIGS. 3A-3B schematically show graphical objects on a display panel thathave been altered from a two-dimensionally perceptible to athree-dimensionally perceptible presentation in accordance with adisclosed embodiment of the method;

FIGS. 4A-4E show various two-dimensionally perceptible graphicalobjects; and

FIGS. 5A-5E show the graphical objects from FIGS. 4A-4E that have beenaltered from a two-dimensionally perceptible to a three-dimensionallyperceptible presentation in accordance with disclosed embodiments of themethod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments provide a method and an associated apparatus ofthe type cited at the outset that increases the convenience of operationof the user interface, particularly for use in a vehicle, and can reducethe risk of incorrect inputs.

According to the disclosed method, three-dimensional graphics data arecalculated for a graphical object in the operating area of the displaypanel, and in that when the operating intention has been sensed, thegraphical object in the area of operation is visually highlighted areaby converting it from a two-dimensionally perceptible presentation inthe plane of the display panel into a three-dimensionally perceptiblepresentation. The change from two-dimensional to three-dimensionalperceptibility first of all draws the attention of the user to the thusaltered graphical object.

Furthermore, such a change allows the user to intuitively recognize thatthe system has actually recognized an operating intention for therelevant operating area. The conversion from a two-dimensional to athree-dimensionally perceptible presentation of an operating area, inwhich possibly a plurality of graphical objects altered in this mannerare displayed, can be vaguely perceived by the user as a whole even whenthe user has not yet visually focused on this operating area. The methodis, therefore, particularly well suited to changing over from a displaymode to an operating mode in a vehicle in which the driver can avert hisview from what is happening in the traffic only for as short a period aspossible in the event of operator actions.

The conversion from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensionallyperceptible presentation can take place in various ways. The basis forthis is always the prior calculation of three-dimensional graphics data.It is not necessary for the whole graphical object to be completelythree-dimensionally perceptible, but rather only a portion of the objectas appropriate. By way of example, only a border or a frame of thegraphical object is displayed in three-dimensionally perceptible form orthe associated three-dimensional graphics data are calculated.

In at least one disclosed embodiment of the method, secondary graphicsdata for a perspective two-dimensional presentation are calculated fromthe three-dimensionally calculated graphics data, and the graphicalobject is presented in two-dimensionally perspective form on the basisof the secondary graphics data. This presentation can be calculated evenwith processors having relatively low power and can be presented onrelatively simple displays, which means that it is also possible forolder hardware versions to be used for the method if need be. Atwo-dimensionally perspective presentation can easily be produced in amanner that is intuitive for the user to grasp, e.g. as an edge orshadow.

Provision may also be made for the display panel to comprise at leasttwo display planes that are situated behind one another in threedimensions for the three-dimensional perceptibility of the graphicalobject and for at least two different image points from the visuallyhighlighted graphical object to be presented in different displayplanes. This may be advantageous for projection methods in which imagescan be projected onto at least one of the display planes, for example.

In a further disclosed embodiment, the calculation of thethree-dimensional graphics data comprises the calculation of a pluralityof stereoscopic views of the graphical object, and the visuallyhighlighted graphical object is presented in stereoscopic form. The useof what are known as autostereoscopic display panels allows thisdisclosed embodiment to be easily used.

In contrast to perspective two-dimensional presentations,autostereoscopic display apparatuses involve one eye seeing a slightlydifferent image than the other eye. This achieves real three-dimensionalpresentation. To this end, slightly different images are calculated fordifferent angles of view. The number of images calculated in this manneris at least two, but may also be greater than twenty in known systems.Typically, five to nine views are a good compromise between requirementof computation power and image quality. No special apparatuses, such asglasses or the like, are necessary for an autostereoscopic display tobring about the three-dimensional effect when viewing the display.Autostereoscopic display apparatuses are disclosed in DE 102 25 385 A1and in DE 10 2005 017 313 A1, for example.

As an alternative to an autostereoscopic presentation, it is alsopossible to use other three-dimensional presentations, e.g. holographicdisplays. These are described in DE 37 40 557 A1, DE 197 04 740 A1, GB 2212 964 A and in EP 0 891 887 B1, for example.

In the case of all the disclosed embodiments described herein, provisionmay be made for the transition from the two-dimensionally perceptiblepresentation to the three-dimensionally perceptible presentation to takeplace in a plurality of intermediate stages. Such animation allows theattention of the user to be directed at the operating area to which theoperating intention has been attributed to an even greater degree.

In this case, the intermediate stages may be embodied differently interms of timing and scope. In particular, they may be completed in aperiod that is so short that it is impossible for an operator action tobe performed by touching an operable graphical object in the operatingarea on the display panel. By way of example, the operating intention issensed in such timely fashion and the intermediate stages are displayedin such quick succession that, by way of example, the operating hand ofthe user could not have reached the operating area of the display panel.Alternatively, the animation can be performed for a relatively longperiod, as a result of which the user, if interrupted during an input,continues to have his attention drawn to the operating area. Inparticular, it is possible to animate raising or lowering of buttonswith a three-dimensional effect or the rotation of an object in space.

In a disclosed embodiment of the method, a plurality of objects in theoperating area are each attributed to a different class, and the visualalteration is performed on the basis of the attributed class. Suchdistinction into various classes allows the user to be provided witheven better guidance for a possible or probable user input if need be.

In this case, it is particularly possible to ascertain whether thegraphical object in the operating area is operable during the sensing ofthe operating intention, and to visually alter the graphical object onthe basis of operability. This makes it possible to prevent a user frommaking a vain attempt to operate objects that are inoperable in a givencontext or in the first place. The operator action can be speeded up byspecific leading to the operable objects. This contributes to drivingsafety when the user is the driver.

An operable object in the operating area can be visually highlightedsuch that it is perceived with a three-dimensional alteration in thedirection of view. Alternatively or else in addition, an inoperableobject in the operating area can be visually altered such that it isperceived with a three-dimensional alteration in a direction away fromthe direction of view. Such a presentation can be perceived inparticularly intuitive fashion, even if the user cannot view the displaypanel with undivided attention.

The contactless sensing of the operating intention in the space in thedirection of view in front of the display panel can be effected using athree-dimensionally resolving proximity sensing unit, for example,particularly using a light barrier and/or using a camera system. Thisallows good resolution of the space in front of the display panel, andthe graphics data can then be calculated in three-dimensional form onthe basis of this three-dimensional resolution. Alternatively, thecontactless sensing of the operating intention can also be effected bycapacitive sensing or sensing of the direction of view of the user.

The calculation of the three-dimensional graphics data for the visuallyhighlighted graphical object may be in a perspective relationship withthe space in front of the display panel in which the operating intentionhas been contactlessly sensed. This allows very realistic operatingprocesses to be attained in which the movement of the user's hand whenthe operating intention is being recognized is extended linearly inrelation to the operable objects in the operating area, so that theuser's hand approaches said objects virtually, for example.

The disclosed apparatus for providing a user interface, particularly ina vehicle, comprises a display panel having a touch-sensitive surfacefor presenting graphical objects and for sensing an operator action byvirtue of one of the graphical objects being touched and also a sensingdevice for contactlessly sensing an operating intention in a space inthe direction of view in front of the display panel. Furthermore, itcomprises a control unit that is connected to the display panel and tothe sensing device and by means of which the space in which an operatingintention has been sensed can be attributed to an operating area on thedisplay panel. According to the disclosed apparatus, the control unitcan be used to calculate three-dimensional graphics data for a graphicalobject and in that the graphical object in the operating area isvisually highlightable by virtue of said graphical object being able tobe converted from a two-dimensionally perceptible presentation into athree-dimensionally perceptible presentation when the operatingintention has been sensed. The apparatus for providing a user interfaceis particularly suited to performing the disclosed method. Hence, italso has the advantages of the disclosed method.

By way of example, the proximity sensing device may comprise areflection light barrier that comprises at least one illuminant foremitting electromagnetic detection radiation into the detection area anda reception element for detecting a share of the detection radiationthat is scattered and/or reflected by the operating element, e.g. thefinger of the user. In particular, it may be designed to recognize theoperating element in the detection area from the intensity of thereceived detection radiation. In addition, the proximity sensing devicemay comprise various illuminants for individual zones in the detectionarea that each emit electromagnetic detection radiation into therespective zone. In addition, a modulation apparatus for modulating theemitted detection radiation may be provided, as a result of which thedetection radiation that is emitted into the individual zones differs interms of its modulation in each case. In this case, the proximitysensing device may also comprise an analysis unit that is designed suchthat the received reflected and/or scattered detection radiation can beanalyzed in terms of its modulation to ascertain the zone in which thedetection radiation has been scattered or reflected by an operatingelement. In particular, the detection zones can extend parallel to anarrangement of operator elements. However, the detection zones aredistinguished in respect of the distance from the operator elements in adirection perpendicular thereto. The proximity sensing device cantherefore be used to determine the residence of an operating elementseparately for each zone, as a result of which it is a simple matter toascertain the distance of the operating element from the operatorelements.

A vehicle is furthermore equipped with such an apparatus for providing auser interface.

The apparatus and the method are explained below using at least onedisclosed embodiment for a user interface in a vehicle. However, it ispointed out that the user interface can also be used in the same way forother devices for displaying information and for controlling associatedfunctions.

FIG. 1 shows a cockpit in a vehicle 1 in which a display panel having atouch-sensitive surface, what is known as a touchscreen 2, is arrangedin the upper area of the central console, so that graphical objects100-102 shown on the touchscreen 2 can be easily viewed and, if need be,operated by the driver and the front-seat passenger. The touchscreen 2may also be arranged at another suitable position.

The touchscreen 2 is part of an apparatus for providing a userinterface, the design of which is shown briefly in FIG. 2 using anillustrative embodiment. Arranged next to the touchscreen 2 is aproximity sensing device 3 that monitors a space in the direction ofview in front of the touchscreen 2. The proximity sensing device 3 canbe used to contactlessly sense particularly an operating intentionattributed to an operating area 10 on the touchscreen 2, for example bydetecting an article that enters the space in front of the touchscreen 2for the purpose of operating the graphical interface of the touchscreen2, e.g. the finger of the user. By way of example, the proximity sensingdevice is a zonally resolving infrared light barrier that is known perse.

The touchscreen 2 and the proximity sensing device 3 are connected to acontrol unit 4. In addition, the control unit 4 is connected via thedata bus 5 in the vehicle to various functional devices 6 that providedata pertaining to the graphical objects 100-102 and the executablefunctions of which are able to be controlled via the graphical userinterface. By way of example, the functional devices 6 comprise anavigation appliance, driver assistance systems, infotainment devices,e.g. for reproducing information or for playing back music orentertainment programs, and also vehicle comfort devices, particularlyfor setting the air-conditioning system in the vehicle 1.

The control unit 4 receives the signals from the proximity sensingdevice 3 and evaluates them by attributing an operating area 10 to anoperating intention. This attribution can take place in various waysthat are known per se. By way of example, the entry of the finger 11 ofthe user into a zone in front of the touchscreen 2 is sensed and thearea of the touchscreen 2 that is situated behind that in the directionof view is interpreted as an operating area 10. The attribution can alsotake place such that an operating intention is attributed from themovement of a sensed article for that operating area 10 that extendsaround the point of intersection that is obtained from the extended lineof the direction of movement with the surface of the touchscreen 2.

When an operating intention is recognized, the graphical objectdisplayed in the operating area 10 is then visually highlighted bycalculating three-dimensional graphics data for the graphical object andconverting the graphical object from a two-dimensionally perceptiblepresentation 100 into a three-dimensionally perceptible presentation100′, as will be explained in more detail further below with referenceto FIGS. 3A-5E in connection with the method.

The method will now be described in more detail using illustrativeembodiments with reference to FIGS. 3A-5E. To this end, the apparatusfor providing a user interface that is described with reference to FIGS.1 and 2 can be used.

FIGS. 3A-3B show the beginning of an operating process in which a userwould like to operate a functional device 6 via the graphical userinterface. A multiplicity of graphical objects are displayed to the userin a two-dimensionally perceptible presentation 103-111. First, ageneral operating intention is recognized when the finger 11 of the userenters the detection zone in front of the touchscreen 2. A plurality ofsensing operations, taking place at successive times, for the positionof the finger 11 allow a direction of operation 12 to be ascertained, asshown in FIG. 3A.

An operating area 10 attributed to the operating intention isascertained from the direction of operation 12. The graphical objectspresented in this operating area 10 are now classified into differentclasses, specifically at least on the basis of the criterion of whetheror not the relevant graphical object is operable in the presentoperating situation. Three-dimensional graphics data are then calculatedfor the operable graphical objects 106, 109 and are converted from thetwo-dimensionally perceptible presentation into a three-dimensionallyperceptible presentation 106′, 109′, as shown in FIG. 3B.

To attain the three-dimensionally perceptible presentation, at least onedisclosed embodiment allows secondary graphics data for a perspectivetwo-dimensional presentation to be calculated from the three-dimensionalgraphics data, and the relevant graphical object to be presented intwo-dimensionally perspective form on the basis of the secondarygraphics data, as a result of which a three-dimensionally perceptiblepresentation arises for the human eye. Alternatively, however, it isalso possible to use real three-dimensional presentations, such asstereoscopic, autostereoscopic or holographic image production. In afurther disclosed embodiment, a three-dimensionally perceptiblepresentation can also be obtained by virtue of partial images of thegraphical object each being produced on at least semitransparentsurfaces situated in succession in the direction of view. By way ofexample, this may involve a conventional graphical display having afirst image plane for presenting a first partial image and asemitransparent plate situated above the latter, onto which a furtherpartial image can be projected.

In at least one disclosed embodiment of the method, the graphicalobjects 107, 108 that are inoperable in the specific situation arepresented in two-dimensional form without alteration. In anotherdisclosed embodiment in this regard, the inoperable graphical objectsare graphically altered in another manner. Different variants forconverting two-dimensionally perceptible presentations intothree-dimensionally perceptible presentations are illustrated below withreference to FIGS. 4A-4E and 5A-5E. In this case, FIGS. 4A-4E show thetwo-dimensionally perceptible presentations and FIGS. 5A-5E show theassociated three-dimensionally perceptible presentations.

In FIG. 4A, the graphical object from the two-dimensionally perceptiblepresentation 112 is altered such that it stands out from the displayplane into a three-dimensionally perceptible presentation 112′ (FIG.5A). In this case, the direction in which the three-dimensionallyperceptible presentation 112′ stands out may be the same as thedirection of operation 12, so that the graphical object appears toapproach the operating finger as a result of the operating intentionbeing recognized.

FIG. 4B is a two-dimensional illustration of a plurality of graphicalobjects 113-115 displayed next to one another. During the conversioninto the three-dimensionally perceptible presentation 113′-115′, thegraphical object stands out from the original image plane again and theframe of the graphical object is provided with contoured lines that areparticularly easily perceptible in three dimensions.

FIG. 4C shows a plurality of linear graphical objects 116-118 on areference line 17, said graphical objects being altered during theconversion into the three-dimensionally perceptible presentation116′-118′ such that they appear as cuboids on this reference line 17. Inthis case, the cuboids stand out in different directions; the cuboid116′ is shown with its direction and thickness pulled slightly upwardfrom the reference line 17 in accordance with the direction of animation13, and the cuboid 118′ is altered in the same way, but to a greaterextent, in the direction of animation 15. By contrast, the cuboid 117′is shown in lowered form in the opposite direction of animation 14.

Such a presentation is particularly suitable for the visual display ofvarious classes of graphical objects. By way of example, the graphicalobject 117 is inoperable in the specific situation. In this case, thelowering of the cuboid 117′ helps the user to recognize that there is noprovision for operation of this graphical object in the given situation.The other objects 116, 118 belong to classes that are operable in therespective situation. In this case, a plurality of classes of theseoperable objects can be formed, for example by virtue of the objectclassification being able to include the probability of the user wantingto operate the respective object, or a recommendation by the system thatthe user should operate the respective object. The high level ofanimation for the object 118′ can indicate to the user that operationusing this object in the given situation is now most rewarding, forexample.

FIG. 4D shows a round object in a two-dimensionally perceptiblepresentation 119, said object appearing as a knob or protruding drop ina three-dimensionally perceptible presentation 119′.

Finally, FIG. 4E shows a graphical object as a two-dimensionalpresentation 120, said graphical object being animated such that itpasses through a plurality of three-dimensionally perceptiblepresentations 120′ of the graphical object in succession as it rotatesin space 16, and this not only provides a better perception thereof as agraphical object but also directs the attention of the user to thisgraphical object as well.

User interfaces having operable graphical objects, what are known asgraphical user interfaces, are in widespread use today. Areas ofapplication are computer and consumer electronics and also operatorsystems for controlling technical appliances, such as electrically,mechanically and/or optically operating machines or automatons forprivate, commercial or industrial purposes.

Depending on the use environment, a substantial volume of informationcan arise in this case and, on account of the volume alone or incombination with the additional tasks of the operating user, can makeoperation confusing.

Modern vehicle information systems provide the vehicle occupants with awealth of information. This diversity frequently results in longoperator operations, however, to find and call the desired functionwithin a complex menu structure. This can particularly result in thedriver being distracted if he wishes to call a particular operatorfunction during the journey. It is therefore desirable to provide foruse of the various functions of the vehicle and information systems thatcan be used therein that is fast and simple to execute. For this, thepresentation of information and the associated input of operatorfunctions are important.

WO 2006/127378 A1 describes an apparatus for displaying information forvarious vehicle systems, such as navigation systems or audio systems, inwhich a defined event prompts a first of two displayed display objectsto be visually highlighted to direct the attention of the user thereto.In this case, the other display object can visually recede at the sametime. The defined event can be triggered by the system or can berecognized from an operating intention of the user that is sensed byvirtue of the user approaching the first display object. The visualhighlighting of the first display object may comprise a change of size,color or brightness of this display object, for example.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 Vehicle-   2 Touchscreen-   3 Proximity sensing device-   4 Control unit-   5 Data bus in the vehicle-   6 Functional devices-   10 Operating area-   11 Finger of the user-   12 Direction of operation-   13-16 Direction of animation-   17 Reference line-   100-120 Graphical objects in two-dimensionally perceptible    presentation-   100′-120′ Graphical objects in three-dimensionally perceptible    presentation

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for providing a user interface fora driver in a transportation vehicle, the method comprising: presentingone or more graphical objects on a display panel having atouch-sensitive surface; contactlessly sensing an operating intention ofthe driver to interact with the display panel in an operating areawithin the display panel during a journey of the transportation vehicleunder the control of the driver, wherein the operating intention issensed in a space within the operating area within the transportationvehicle; calculating three dimensional graphics data for at least one ofthe graphical objects in the operating area within the display panel; inresponse to the sensed operating intention, during the operationintention sensing, visually differentiating output of the at least oneof the graphical objects in the operating area that are operable in apresent operating situation from output of the graphical objects in theoperating area that are inoperable in the present operating situation byhighlighting only the at least one of the graphical objects in theoperating area that are operable in the present operating situation,wherein a determination of whether the at least one graphical object isoperable is based upon the present operating situation, wherein thevisual differentiating is performed by converting the at least one,operable, graphical object from a two-dimensionally perceptiblepresentation to a three-dimensionally perceptible presentation anddisplaying the three-dimensionally perceptible presentation of the atleast one, operable, graphical object; and receiving an indication of anoperator action by sensing the driver touching one of the graphicalobjects on the display panel, wherein a plurality of graphical objectsin the operating area are each attributed to different classes based onwhether the at least one graphical object is operable in the presentoperating situation, and the visual alteration from thetwo-dimensionally perceptible presentation to the three-dimensionallyperceptible presentation is performed based on the attributed class, andwherein based on at least one object being determined inoperable in theoperating situation, the at least one inoperable object is visuallyaltered in the operating area so as to appear further away from thedriver, wherein there is no provision for operation of the at least oneinoperable object in the present operating situation.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: calculating secondary graphics data for aperspective two-dimensional presentation from the three-dimensionallycalculated graphics data; and presenting the at least one, operable,graphical object in two-dimensionally perspective form based on thesecondary graphics data.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thecalculation of the three-dimensional graphics data comprises thecalculation of a plurality of stereoscopic views of the at least one,operable, graphical object, and wherein the at least one, operable,visually highlighted graphical object is presented in stereoscopic form.4. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition from thetwo-dimensionally perceptible presentation to the three-dimensionallyperceptible presentation of the at least one, operable graphical objecttakes place in a plurality of intermediate stages.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one operable, three-dimensionallyperceptible presentation is visually altered so as to appear closer tothe driver.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the contactless sensing ofthe operating intention uses a three-dimensionally resolving proximitysensing unit, a light barrier, and/or using a camera system.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the graphical objects in the graphical userinterface are configured to control executable function of a pluralityof functional devices including a navigation appliance, driverassistance systems, infotainment devices, and vehicle comfort devices.8. An apparatus for providing a user interface for a driver in atransportation vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a display panel havinga touch-sensitive surface for presenting one or more graphical objectsand for sensing an operator action of the transportation vehicle driverby virtue of one of the graphical objects being touched; a sensingdevice for contactlessly sensing an operating intention oftransportation vehicle driver to interact with the display panel in anoperating area within the display panel during a journey of thetransportation vehicle under the control of the driver; and a controlunit that is connected to the display panel and to the sensing device,wherein the control unit attributes the operating intention of thedriver to a space within the operating area, calculatesthree-dimensional graphics data for at least one of the graphicalobjects in the operating area within the display panel, in response tothe sensed operating intention, as the sensing device senses theoperating intention, visually differentiates the output of at least oneof the graphical objects in the operating area that are operable in apresent operating situation from the output of the graphical objects inthe operating area that are inoperable in the present operatingsituation by highlighting only the at least one of the graphical objectsin the operating area that are operable in the present operatingsituation, wherein a determination of whether the at least one graphicalobject is operable and whether the at least one graphical object isinoperable is based upon the present operating situation, wherein thevisual differentiating is performed by converting the at least one,operable graphical object from a two-dimensionally perceptiblepresentation to a three-dimensionally perceptible presentation when theoperating intention has been sensed and displaying the threedimensionally perceptible presentation of the at least one, operable,graphical object, wherein a plurality of graphical objects in theoperating area are each attributed to different classes based on whetherthe at least one graphical object is operable in the present operatingsituation, and the visual alteration from the two-dimensionallyperceptible presentation to the three-dimensionally perceptiblepresentation is performed based on the attributed class, and whereinbased on at least one object being determined inoperable in theoperating situation, the at least one inoperable object is visuallyaltered in the operating area so as to appear further away from thedriver, wherein there is no provision for operation of the at least oneinoperable object in the present operating situation.
 9. The apparatusof claim 8, wherein the control unit is further configured to calculatesecondary graphics data for a perspective two-dimensional presentationfrom the three-dimensionally calculated graphics data and present the atleast one, operable, graphical object in two-dimensionally perspectiveform based on the secondary graphics data.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the calculation of the three-dimensional graphics data comprisesthe calculation of a plurality of stereoscopic views of the at leastone, operable, graphical object, and wherein the at least one, operable,visually highlighted graphical object is presented in stereoscopic form.11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the transition from thetwo-dimensionally perceptible presentation to the three-dimensionallyperceptible presentation of the at least one, operable graphical objecttakes place in a plurality of intermediate stages.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the at least one operable, dimensionally perceptiblepresentation is visually altered so as to appear closer to the driver.13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sensing device comprises athree-dimensionally resolving proximity sensing unit, a light barrier,and/or using a camera system.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein thegraphical objects in the graphical user interface are configured tocontrol executable function of a plurality of functional devicesincluding a navigation appliance, driver assistance systems,infotainment devices, and vehicle comfort devices.